Fresh install of Elgg 1.8.1

I just did a fresh install of Elgg 1.8.1, and immediately I tried to logon to my elgg site using the administrator account used during the installation process. However, I cannot log onto my admin account unless I check the remember me checkbox.

I cannot register any new users either. Another funny thing I notices is that I dont event see the popups notifying the users that the login fields are empty.

Any thoughts why I need the checkbox "remember me" to checked? Thanks for your help